19 Reasons to Love Ubuntu

It’s been almost two decades since our founders, an American university student and a South African school teacher, embarked on an incredible journey that has led us to where we are today. In honor of our birthday, we’re turning the spotlight on the people who spend every day creating pathways out of poverty: the Ubuntu team. Here’s what they had to say.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

1.Helping individuals realize their full potential is an amazing experience. - Pamela Sonwabe, Family Support Specialist, South Africa

2. I love being part of the different phases of our beneficiaries’ journeys. I literally get to see children grow — their first steps, their first words, and their first day at our Early Childhood Development program and then their graduation from school. To fundraise for and build awareness of our work is a bonus. - Nozibele Qamngana, External Relations Manager, South Africa

3. I enjoy the responsibility that comes with my job. The satisfaction I get from making sure suppliers and scholars’ allowances are paid on time makes my day. - Namhla Nodali, Creditors Clerk, South Africa

4. Helping to manage donor funding so that our beneficiaries can get the best services possible. - Sizwe Madyo, Accountant, South Africa

5. My coworkers are a special bunch. Whether it’s talking about what’s new in programs, a recent trip, or running a race, I can always count on them to be caring, compassionate, and endlessly supportive. - Samantha Loewen, Program Coordinator, NYC

6. I love the feeling I have when I deliver on the needs of our clients, whether it’s food, medication, or stationary. It’s the beauty of it all coming together — seeing our kids use school supplies and toys in the classroom or seeing clients collect medication from our pharmacy — that makes me enjoy what I do even more. - Nokulunga Jobela, Creditors Clerk (Procurement), South Africa

Do you have a meaningful memory of working with clients?

7. When I asked one of our students, “What keeps you going?” she looked at me and said, “Where I come from is what keeps me going.” - Nomhle Kala, Adult Internship and Scholarship Program Coordinator, South Africa

8. I always remember the smiles we bring to our clients’ faces. It shows our achievements. - Stanley Chetty, Supply Chain Coordinator, South Africa

9. My passion is to address teen pregnancy, as I have experienced it firsthand. The highlight of my work is empowering young women to make informed decisions about their bodies and their lives. - Xabisa Makeleni, Senior Nurse, South Africa

10. I love when I get to see kids who have graduated with the help of Ubuntu. - Loyce Matloga, Stores Clerk, South Africa

11. Eighteen years ago, one of our students came close to taking her own life because of her financial situation at home. Ubuntu’s staff was able to intervene and give her the support she needed. - Malizole “Banks” Gwaxula, Founder and Senior Advisor

What do you love about Ubuntu?

12. I love that Ubuntu is a happy place for our clients. - Busisa Ngqisha, Clinic Administrator

13. The staff — it takes a really special kind of person to do what we do. Their passion, dedication, and commitment is inspiring. - Cara Bronander, Events & Development Coordinator, NYC

14. The availability of world-class resources in the townships makes it easy to get the job done. - Anele Mtyingizane, Professional Nurse, South Africa

15. I love hearing our toddlers playing outside during recess. -Katie Murphy, Information Program Manager, NYC

16. The support system from other staff makes my work possible. - Maxwell Fono, Counselor, South Africa

17. The best thing about Ubuntu is and always will be the people. Everyone who works here, across all three offices, truly embodies the ubuntu spirit. It is a privilege to work with hard-working, empathetic, and fun individuals every day. - Kathryn Kruse, Major Gifts and Grants Coordinator, NYC

18. Ubuntu is unafraid to step out and do things a bit differently. We acknowledge where things don’t work and use that as fuel to do the best for the community. - Jessica Newbery, Data Officer, London

19. I am proud to be part of a platform that is shaping independent and socially active citizens. - Msikeleli Moli, Coordinator of Youth Empowerment, South Africa

Ubuntu Pathways has spent nearly two decades transforming lives, from cradle to career. With your sustained support, we’ll be there for decades to come. Join us.